Microbiological analysis of a mummy from the archeological museum in Zagreb

In this paper we report the results of the microbiological analysis of the samples taken from the mummy from the collection of the Archaeological museum in Zagreb, Croatia. Samples were taken from specific places such as oral, orbital, abdominal cavity and bandages surrounding the mummy, and analyzed in Department of Microbiology and Hospital Infections in University Hospital "Dubrava" in Zagreb and in National Reference Laboratory for systemic mycoses of Croatian National Institute of Public Health in Zagreb. The analysis indicated that all of the found organisms were non-primary pathogenic and are not harmful for healthy humans. Isolated microorganisms mainly belonged to the group of saprophytic fungi as listed: Monilia spp., Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Rhizopus spp. and Chrysosporium spp. and to the genus of saprophytic bacteria, Bacillus spp.     

Identification of Putative Plant-Based ALR-2 Inhibitors to Treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetes complication (DM). Aldose reductase -2 (ALR-2) is an oxidoreductase enzyme that is most extensively studied therapeutic target for diabetes-related complications that can be inhibited by epalrestat, which has severe adverse effects; hence the discovery of potent natural inhibitors is desired. In response, a pharmacophore model based on the properties of eplarestat was generated. The specified pharmacophore model searched the NuBBE_DB database of natural compounds for prospective lead candidates. To assess the drug-likeness and ADMET profile of the compounds, a series of in silico filtering procedures were applied. The compounds were then put through molecular docking and interaction analysis. In comparison to the reference drug, four compounds showed increased binding affinity and demonstrated critical residue interactions with greater stability and specificity. As a result, we have identified four potent inhibitors: ZINC000002895847, ZINC000002566593, ZINC000012447255, and ZINC000065074786, that could be used as pharmacological niches to develop novel ALR-2 inhibitors.     

Chromosomal bacterial type II toxin-antitoxin systems

Most prokaryotic chromosomes contain a number of toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules consisting of a pair of genes that encode 2 components, a stable toxin and its cognate labile antitoxin. TA systems are also known as addiction modules, since the cells become "addicted" to the short-lived antitoxin product (the unstable antitoxin is degraded faster than the more stable toxin) because its de novo synthesis is essential for their survival. While toxins are always proteins, antitoxins are either RNAs (type I, type III) or proteins (type II). Type II TA systems are widely distributed throughout the chromosomes of almost all free-living bacteria and archaea. The vast majority of type II toxins are mRNA-specific endonucleases arresting cell growth through the mechanism of RNA cleavage, thus preventing the translation process. The physiological role of chromosomal type II TA systems still remains the subject of debate. This review describes the currently known type II toxins and their characteristics. The different hypotheses that have been proposed to explain their role in bacterial physiology are also discussed.     

Clinical applications of non-invasive multi and hyperspectral imaging of cell and tissue autofluorescence beyond oncology

Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging of cell and tissue autofluorescence employs fluorescence imaging, without exogenous fluorophores, across multiple excitation/emission combinations (spectral channels). This produces an image stack where each pixel (matched by location) contains unique information about the sample's spectral properties. Analysis of this data enables access to a rich, molecularly specific data set from a broad range of cell-native fluorophores (autofluorophores) directly reflective of biochemical status, without use of fixation or stains. This non-invasive, non-destructive technology has great potential to spare the collection of biopsies from sensitive regions. As both staining and biopsy may be impossible, or undesirable, depending on the context, this technology great diagnostic potential for clinical decision making. The main research focus has been on the identification of neoplastic tissues. However, advances have been made in diverse applications—including ophthalmology, cardiovascular health, neurology, infection, assisted reproduction technology and organ transplantation.     

Hook selectivity and catch efficiency in two sport fishing sectors in the Strait of Istanbul,Turkey: Classic handline fishing and Light Rock Fishing (LRF)

In this study, the efficiency of two fishing methods (a) traditional handline commonly used in the Strait of Istanbul and (b) light rock fishing (LRF), which is beginning to spread in recent years, were investigated by monthly sampling between September 2014 and September 2015. One classic handline fishing tackle and one LRF fishing tackle were used in the test fishing exercise. In addition, the effects of the hook sizes (numbers 6, 8 and 10) used in the handline fishery on the size selectivity for horse mackerels were also studied. Catches using both types of fishing gear were mainly composed of Trachurus mediterraneus (89.60%), Scorpeana porcus (5.12%), Sardina pilchardus (1.98%), Atherina boyeri (0.99%), Liza aurata (0.66%), Scorpaena scrofa (0.50%), Pomatomus saltatrix (0.33%), Sprattus sprattus (0.33%) and a few other species. The frequency distributions of horse mackerel caught using handlines and LRF were slightly different and ranged between 6.1–19.0 cm and 9.0–16.0 cm, respectively. Of all the handlines, LRF yielded the highest catch per unit effort (CPUE), 1.295 kg/10 hooks/hour. The log normal model selectivity curve gave the best fit for the T. mediterraneus by using the SELECT method. The modal lengths of horse mackerel caught by handline hook sizes no.10 and no. 8 hook were calculated as 13.4 cm and 17.7 cm, respectively. In addition, the spread values were determined with 3.58 and 4.74, respectively.